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What setting to set flash on

I just borrowed my friends HVL F36AM and don't know what setting I should set it on for indoor shooting. What setting for fill flash for outside. I have my sons engagement party and would like to give it a try using a flash.
Thanks Frank

Well, speaking in a standard way ... using the flash at full power and in Manual (not TTL), my manual settings are usually:

F/5.6
1/60 sec
ISO-400
No DRO and that's about it. Too bright, I run the speed up to 1/125 - still too bright ... ISO-200. Those two items are enough to kill off most flash issues.

Do not shoot slower than 1/60, otherwise you will introduce ambient lighting from other sources. Also, subject movement will show up.

Don Schap - BFA, Digital Photography A Photographer Is ForeverLook, I did not create the optical laws of the Universe ... I simply learned to deal with them.
Remember: It is usually the GLASS, not the camera (except for moving to Full Frame), that gives you the most improvement in your photography.flickr® & Sdi

I believe it does, Frank. Leave it on, for now ... probably doesn't matter all that much.

Don Schap - BFA, Digital Photography A Photographer Is ForeverLook, I did not create the optical laws of the Universe ... I simply learned to deal with them.
Remember: It is usually the GLASS, not the camera (except for moving to Full Frame), that gives you the most improvement in your photography.flickr® & Sdi

Don Schap - BFA, Digital Photography A Photographer Is ForeverLook, I did not create the optical laws of the Universe ... I simply learned to deal with them.
Remember: It is usually the GLASS, not the camera (except for moving to Full Frame), that gives you the most improvement in your photography.flickr® & Sdi

Fill flash setting ONLY works with the pop-up flash, not the EXT flash.

You should take time to review pages 54-58 in the User's Guide.

Don Schap - BFA, Digital Photography A Photographer Is ForeverLook, I did not create the optical laws of the Universe ... I simply learned to deal with them.
Remember: It is usually the GLASS, not the camera (except for moving to Full Frame), that gives you the most improvement in your photography.flickr® & Sdi

Why do you think I am asking all these questions?? He never gave me the book. LOL I did a search and didn't find it online. I will check again before I go. I only have a few hours before I have to leave.
Thanks again
Frank

It is the proper operation you have to be familiar with. The settings are secondary.

You need to become familiar with "Flash compensation." There are two EV levels you can go, above and below, which will make the flash brighter or darker in AUTO mode. To get to it, go to the "lightning bolt" on the right hand selector knob, and then press the "Fn" buton in the middle of the knob.

Click down into the "Flash Compensation", under the Flash Mode indicator, on the right side of the menu area. Then, you can raise or lower the +/- EV level of the flash. It offers more control over the TTL decision going on in the camera. I think it may be what you are looking to do.

Last edited by DonSchap; 07-19-2008 at 05:32 AM.

Don Schap - BFA, Digital Photography A Photographer Is ForeverLook, I did not create the optical laws of the Universe ... I simply learned to deal with them.
Remember: It is usually the GLASS, not the camera (except for moving to Full Frame), that gives you the most improvement in your photography.flickr® & Sdi

No need to apologize I was just kidding. I did read the manual on line. I took some shots at the house with the settings at f/5.6, 1/60 and iso 400 and they looked good. This will be my first try with a flash. I let you know how I do.
Thanks as always you are a great help.
Frank